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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese for rich, deep flavors. The combination of tender ground beef mixed with fragrant herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a moist and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Topped with gooey melted Gruyère cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (for deglazing)

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become caramelized and golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the onions cool.
  3. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Add onions and cheese: Fold the cooled caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture, distributing them evenly.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a greased baking dish to prepare for cooking.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  7. Add cheese topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese for better melting and taste.
  • For a lower-fat option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, add more caramelized onions inside the meat mixture.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps retain moisture and improves slicing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French onion meatloaf, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, comfort food, baked meatloaf, easy dinner recipe

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/french-onion-meatloaf-recipe/